Extreme heat is becoming more common worldwide, and the World Health Organization warns that heat-related illness is a growing cause of death. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people with long-term conditions are most at risk.
On the hottest day of the year, your neighbour seems confused and is no longer sweating. Because you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, you call for help and start cooling him immediately.
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke | |
|---|---|---|
| Body temperature | Raised, often up to 40°C | 40°C or higher |
| Mental state | Normal, may feel weak or faint | Confused, agitated, slurred speech, seizures or unconscious |
| Skin | Heavy sweating, pale, clammy | Hot; may be dry or still sweating |
| Other signs | Headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps, thirst | Fast heartbeat, fast breathing, collapse |
| What to do | Cool down; should improve within 30 minutes | Call emergency services immediately and cool rapidly |
Treating heat exhaustion
- Move the person to a cool or shaded place.
- Lie them down with their feet slightly raised.
- Give water or an oral rehydration drink to sip.
- Cool their skin with cool water, wet cloths or a fan; cold packs in the armpits and neck help.
- Stay with them. If they are not better within 30 minutes, treat it as heat stroke.
Heat stroke is an emergency
Call your emergency number. While you wait, cool the person as quickly as possible: remove excess clothing, soak them with cool water and fan them. For young, fit people who collapse while exercising, immersion in cold water is the most effective method if it is available and safe. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.
Who is most at risk?
- Babies and young children
- Adults over 65
- People with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes or dementia
- People taking some medicines, such as diuretics, some blood pressure tablets and some antipsychotics
- Outdoor workers and athletes
- People who live alone or in hot, poorly ventilated homes
Stay safe in hot weather
- Drink regularly before you feel thirsty
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Wear light, loose clothing and a hat
- Keep curtains closed in the hottest part of the day
- Check on older neighbours and relatives
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car
“But surely heat stroke only affects athletes or people in very hot countries?”
No. Older people at home, babies, outdoor workers and people taking certain medicines are at high risk wherever heatwaves happen, including countries that rarely get hot.
Your next step: check on one older neighbour or relative during the next hot spell, and share this guide with anyone who works outdoors.
Related: Signs of dehydration
Sources: World Health Organization, heat and health fact sheet; NHS heat exhaustion and heatstroke guidance; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illness.
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